What are some alternatives to retirement village living?
‘Buying’ into a retirement village can be a great option for those who are wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community. Yet it’s not the only choice – there are myriad other living options to suit all lifestyles. Staying where you are There is benefit in...
What kind of homes are in a retirement village?
When you're exploring retirement villages in New Zealand, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options. Here's a simple breakdown of the most common choices and what they offer. Villas are standalone homes, usually with one to three bedrooms (sometimes more). They often come with their own garden or outdoor...
What is the best village to choose?
With more than 400 Retirement Villages in New Zealand, there is plenty of choice when it comes to where to live. Villages vary greatly – in size, location, on-site offerings, ownership, culture and of course, price – so it comes down to choosing the village that best suits your needs....
What costs will I still need to pay once I enter a village?
You are responsible for paying for your personal costs, such as personal contents insurance, internal maintenance to your dwelling, power, phone and paid television/streaming services. You may also find that some activities/outings incur additional costs too. Most retirement villages in New Zealand also charge weekly fees, which covers expenses such...
What does it cost to live in a retirement village?
All retirement villages in New Zealand have associated costs, such as weekly fees. These generally cover things such as council and water rates, building insurance, external maintenance, upkeep of communal facilities, staff costs, gardening and management of the village. You are responsible for paying for your personal costs, such as...
What are the costs of entering a village?
Depending on where you want to live in New Zealand, the cost of ‘buying’ into a retirement village can vary greatly – some units can be priced in the $100,000s while others can reach into the millions. This ‘purchase’ price is known as the Capital Contribution. You can search for...
What is a care suite?
A care suite (sometimes also known as a care apartment) is generally a retirement village offering with care components governed by the Age-Related Residential Care (ARRC) Agreement. It offers the same type of care as a care home and is bound by the same rules. As this is a type...
How does an interRAI assessment work?
In New Zealand, an assessment tool called interRAI helps older people access the services they need and helps sector professionals find out more about the needs of all New Zealanders. You may be referred for an interRAI assessment or you can self-refer via older person’s services. The process begins with...
What is the Residential Care Subsidy?
The Residential Care Subsidy is financial assistance that may be available for those over 65 needing residential care and who meet eligibility criteria (including health and financial criteria). It's important to note it is distinct from the Residential Support Subsidy that may be available for those under 65. The Residential...
I live in a rest home. Is this the end of my sex life?
The short answer is: not necessarily. The reality is we are all sexual beings, and many people wish to continue an active sex life into their older age. It may be that you currently have a partner and you are facing separation due to the need for residential care, perhaps...
How can I stay as independent as possible?
While there are many factors that help us stay independent one of the biggest is having meaningful relationships. These relationships include people, pets and places. Meaningful relationships keep us in a good mental space so that we can do all the other things that help us maintain our independence. Since...
What is a standard rest home/care home room?
Standard rooms and services are those that are covered by the Age Related Residential Care Agreement (ARRC). All Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (formerly District Health Boards) contracted providers must meet the requirements of this agreement (currently all residential care providers are contracted in New Zealand/Aotearoa). Examples of...
What is a premium room?
A premium room (or a room that has premium accommodation charges) is a room that has features that are NOT required under the Age Related Residential Care Agreement (ARRC) (i.e., they are over and above the standard features and services). Those who pay for premium accommodation do not get a...
What is the Maximum Contribution?
Everyone in a certified and contracted care home is required to pay for their accommodation and services. If you have little to no assets the government uses your NZ Super to pay for your care. If you have assets and/or income over the required thresholds, you are required to contribute/pay...
What home help can I get? Who pays?
The type of home help you can get and who pays for it depends on whether you want or need subsidised services (in which case your eligibility is determined by an assessment) or whether you will self pay. Typically home support services include assistance with your personal and, possibly your...
I can’t afford the internet. Is there free access anywhere?
For many New Zealanders, there is a significant cost barrier to accessing the internet. It is estimated that approximately 130,320 homes across New Zealand don’t have an internet connection. Skinny Jump: Skinny Jump is an initiative by the Spark Foundation that provides subsidised broadband services to eligible New Zealanders who...
How can I adjust to living in a care home?
When making the decision to go into a care home it is common to experience a lot of conflicting feelings. You and your family/whānau may have had quite differing views on the benefits of this and the decision may not have been easily reached. This is one of life’s major...
How are rest homes different to retirement villages?
Care homes (also known as rest homes or residential care facilities) and retirement villages are often talked about as if they're the same thing, but they're not. They serve different purposes and are governed by different legislation and regulations. Care home / residential care Many people use the term rest...
Can I get help at home when recovering from surgery?
In many situations you will not require help at home. If you do services will be generally be provided for a short term only and what you receive will depend on your individual circumstances. If your surgery is a result of an accident and you are eligible for ACC support...
How moving to a care home (rest home) can reinforce ageism.
Delia McKenna and Barbara Staniforth in their 2017 paper ‘ Older people moving to residential care in Aotearoa New Zealand: Considerations for social work at practice and policy levels.’ give some insights into this time of transition. They show how this process and experience may be improved. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: This...